Celebrations swept through Cairo on Wednesday night after Zamalek SC secured the Egyptian League title with victory over Ceramica Cleopatra FC at Cairo Stadium.
A decisive goal from Oday Dabbagh sealed the win that confirmed Zamalek as league champions, prompting emotional scenes on the pitch as players and coaching staff celebrated with supporters after receiving the league trophy.
Among those celebrating was coach Moataz Gamal, who guided the club to domestic success during a turbulent campaign that also saw the team reach the final of the African Confederation Cup.
Despite their progress on the continental stage, Zamalek narrowly missed out on the trophy after losing on penalties to USM Alger.
While the league triumph represented a major achievement for the club, attention quickly shifted towards the future of Gamal and whether he will remain in charge next season.
According to a source inside Zamalek who spoke to WinWin, divisions have emerged within the club hierarchy regarding the coach’s future.
Some officials reportedly believe that Gamal’s period in charge has reached its natural conclusion and that the next stage of the club’s development requires the appointment of an experienced foreign coach capable of competing for the African Champions League title.
The source explained that supporters of this view believe Zamalek must strengthen technically and administratively if they are to challenge for continental honours in the coming campaign.
However, others inside the club are pushing strongly for Gamal to continue after overseeing what many consider a remarkable turnaround under difficult circumstances.
The source stressed that another group within the club believes the coach deserves to stay after leading the team through major crises and returning them to the top of Egyptian football.
During the season, players reportedly dealt with financial uncertainty and delayed payments, but Gamal was credited with maintaining squad unity and motivating the team throughout the campaign.
Those backing the coach believe he succeeded in extracting the best performances from the squad and helped transform Zamalek into the strongest side of the 2025-2026 season.
The debate now appears to centre on the club’s long-term ambitions and whether continuity or change offers the best path forward.
According to the source, sporting director John Edward is leaning towards appointing a new foreign technical director as part of a wider rebuilding strategy.
The plan would reportedly include reopening the club’s registration activities and bringing in high-level reinforcements ahead of next season, with the primary objective being to win the African Champions League.
At the same time, several board members and supporters of the White Knights are attempting to persuade Edward to retain Gamal following the team’s domestic success.
For now, no final decision has been made, and uncertainty continues to surround the coach’s future despite delivering one of the club’s most memorable recent achievements.
Zamalek’s league title has restored optimism among supporters after a difficult period, but the coming weeks may determine whether the man who guided them back to the summit will remain part of the club’s next chapter.
